One and a half years in prison for M-Club murder

The M-Club Hollerich murder trial reached its climax on Monday as the final verdict was announced. The defendant was given a four year sentence: a two and a half year suspended sentence and a fine of 3,000 euros.

14.03.2012

(ADW) The M-Club Hollerich murder trial reached its climax on Monday as the final verdict was announced. The defendant was given a four year sentence: a two and a half year suspended sentence and a fine of 3,000 euros, meaning that he will spend at least one and a half years behind bars.

The court did not accept the mitigating circumstances in relation to any provocation by the victim. The case dates back to April 2011. Arnel, a young man of 24, was out with his friends at M-Club. The evening was going well until the victim stepped on the foot of a 26 year old girlfriend of the accused. Tension mounted before turning violent as the victim grabbed the girl by the throat. Fearing for the safety of his girlfriend, the defendant attacked Arnel by slashing him in the throat with a broken glass. Arnel bled to death as help arrived too late.

The defendant stated that he responded on impulse, forgetting he was holding a glass in his hand. "I was scared for my girlfriend", he justified. During the court hearing, the defendant made several attempts to apologise to victim’s family.